Mexican doctor accused of causing meningitis outbreak that killed 35

Mexican authorities arrested an anesthesiologist on Wednesday who is being accused of causing a meningitis outbreak that left 35 patients dead and 79 others sick. 

According to the chief prosecutor in the northern state of Durango, Sonia de la Garza, the anesthesiologist used “improper procedures” by using contaminated morphine on the patients, mostly pregnant women.  

The first case of meningitis in Durango was diagnosed late last year. Soon after, several cases were reported in people who had been subjected to surgeries that used spinal anesthesia in private hospitals, according to data from the World Health Organization. 

At least 35 patients died from the meningitis outbreak and 79 contracted the disease since the outbreak started.

An investigation found anesthesiologist allegedly carried his own morphine to different hospitals, spreading the infection. While it is not an unusual practice for anesthesiologists to bring their own medications to hospitals or clinics, authorities believe the anesthesiologist might not have stored them properly. 

The morphine in this case was stored in “multi-use” vials that were used on multiple patients; tests ruled out that the morphine was contaminated at the point of manufacture. 

In addition to the anesthesiologist, authorities also arrested the head of the state health inspection service and another employee. They are being charged with failing to carry out their duties and homicide. 

Meningitis is associated with inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. On certain occasions, the disease can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungal infection.